Why I Avoid OTC Cough Medicine & Support With Herbs Instead.
A cough is the body’s natural mechanism for removing foreign matter from the throat and lungs. Contrary to popular belief, you’re not doing your body any favors by taking an over the counter cough syrup. Most of the main steam brands contain cough suppressants; this is the opposite of what you want to do when your lungs are in need of some extra support. Why suppress a cough when your body is working to remove something from your lungs that could potentially fester and develop into something worse.
So how should we approach working with a cough, how do we support our lungs in order to fix the underlying issue causing the symptom?
First, in order to determine what route you should take when a cough arises, you need to identify what kind you have; is it a wet cough, a barking cough, or maybe the annoying dry hacking cough. Understanding the different types is key in determining what herbs to take. There are of course blanket remedies that can cover a broad spectrum, but the best way is to customize your plan of attack based on your symptoms.
My biggest reason for suggesting herbs or homeopathic remedies instead of over the counter allopathic cough medicine is of course, the ingredients. I’ll go over lung supporting herbs toward the bottom, but first let’s air out the dirty laundry and take a look at the ingredients in one of the well known over the counter cough syrups.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS:
Dextromethorphan HBr 60 mg ......…........... Cough suppressant
Guaifenesin 1200 mg ………………………………… Expectorant
INACTIVE INGREDIENTS:
carbomer homopolymer type B, copovidone, D&C yellow #10 aluminum lake, hypromellose, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide
Are you familiar with what’s in here? Let’s break this down
Dextromethorphan: This chemical is listed as a cough suppressant. It doesn’t sound that bad right? Stop the cough, that’s what we want after all isn’t it? Yes, we want to stop the cough, but we need to do it the proper way, by fixing the underlying issue, not by tricking the brain into thinking we don’t need to cough.
This chemical "crosses the blood-brain-barrier and activates sigma opioid receptors on the cough center in the central nervous system, thereby suppressing the cough reflex.”
Dextromethorphan is a common antitussive agent found in many over-the-counter cough and cold preparations. Dextromethorphan is often found in combination products containing antihistamines, decongestants, ethanol, or acetaminophen. It is listed with a chemical status of “acute toxic”. First of all, “medicine” listed and approved by the FDA should not be acute toxic, nor should it be crossing the blood-brain barrier. No thank you. This is what is being marketed towards parents as the best way to treat a cough for themselves and their children. It needs to stop.
Let’s continue.
“It has a role as a NMDA receptor antagonist, a neurotoxin, a xenobiotic, an environmental contaminant, an antitussive, a prodrug and a oneirogen.”
Again, it’s approved by the FDA for you and your children to ingest when sick, yet it cannot be flushed down the toilet, discarded in the trash, or thrown outside because it’s an environmental contaminant.
“Expired or waste pharmaceuticals shall carefully take into consideration applicable DEA, EPA, and FDA regulations. It is not appropriate to dispose by flushing the pharmaceutical down the toilet or discarding to trash. If possible, return the pharmaceutical to the manufacturer for proper disposal being careful to properly label and securely package the material. Alternatively, the waste pharmaceutical shall be labeled, securely packaged and transported by a state licensed medical waste contractor to dispose by burial in a licensed hazardous or toxic waste landfill or incinerator.”
Let me repeat this part, “dispose of by burial in a licensed hazardous or toxic waste landfill or incinerator”. This does not sound like something humans should be consuming, especially when their bodies aren’t functioning at 100%.
Take a look below at the GHS Classification (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals). GHS was developed by the United Nations as a way to bring into agreement the chemical regulations and standards of different countries. GHS includes criteria for the classification of health, physical and environmental hazards, as well as specifying what information should be included on labels of hazardous chemicals as well as safety data sheets.
Reference:
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ghs/
The next active ingredient is Guaifenesin, listed as an expectorant, this drug acts as an irritant to gastric vagal receptors and is used to thin out mucus in order to expel it from the lungs.
It is a propanediol derivative……
What is a propanediol? It’s a sweet colorless, viscous, hygroscopic liquid used as an antifreeze and in brake fluid and also as ahumectant in cosmetics and personal care items although it can be absorbed through the skin with harmful effects.
While it is believed that guaifenesin is known to thin out heavy mucus for easier expulsion and manage chest congestion, it is not known whether the agent can reliably mitigate coughing. Nevertheless, on March 1, 2007, the FDA received a petition asking the FDA to notify the public that some antitussives, expectorants, decongestants, antihistamines, and cough/cold combinations are not known to be safe and effective in children under the age of 6 years. They settled at changing the labels to note that guaifenesin is not for use in children under the age of 4 years. It was endorsed by FDA in 2008.
This remains the only legally marketed expectorant in the US.
References:
https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/glyceryl+guaiacolate
So we covered the active ingredients. Let’s briefly go over the inactive ingredients.
Carbomer homopolymer type B: A high molecular weight copolymer of acrylic acid and a long chain alkyl methacrylate cross-linked with allyl ethers of polyalcohols. Cosolvent mixture of ethyl acetate and cyclohexane is used as residual solvent. This polymer is used as controlled-release agents, bioadhesives, topical gels, emulsifying agents etc.
Copovidone: A co-polymer made by N-vinyl-2- pyrolidone and vinyl acetate. It is used for coating agent or binder. Copovidone is insoluble in water, so dimethyl formamide (DMF) was used as the eluent. In this application, even though DMF is used as the eluent, adding lithium bromide into the eluent is effective. Lithium bromide was added for analyzing copovidone. It’s made using vinyl acetate, which is classified as an irritant, health hazard and highly flammable, as well as suspected to cause cancer.
GHS Hazard Statements for Copovidone: H225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]H332: Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]
H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]
H351: Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]
References:https://www.shodex.com/en/dc/06/07/48.html
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Vinyl-acetate#section=Literature
D&C yellow #10 aluminum lake: This is used as a colorant. I have found limited information and scientific studies on this. The EWG.org has it scored as a 2-8 based on it’s usage. It’s used topically and internally. The EFSA reports that Yellow 10 intolerance/sensitivity has been reported in humans.
Reference:
https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/701830-DC_YELLOW_NO_10_CI_47005_LAKE/Hypromellose: Formerly known as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), is the most commonly used cellulose to control the release of a drug in a controlled manner, effectively increasing the duration of release of a drug to prolong its therapeutic effect.
It is produced by processing pulp cellulose with caustic soda, then reacting with methyl chloride and propylene oxide.
Reference: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7840944_The_use_of_Hypromellose_in_oral_drug_deliveryMagnesium hydroxide: This is commonly used as an antacid and laxative. It’s chemical classification is listed as corrosive and an irritant. Additionally, magnesium hydroxide has smoke suppressing and flame retardant properties and is thus used commercially as a fire retardant.
GHS Hazard Statements for Magnesium hydroxide: Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria by 510 of 596 companies.Of the 6 notification(s) provided by 86 of 596 companies with hazard statement code(s):
H302 (26.74%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]
H315 (73.26%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]
H318 (25.58%): Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]
H319 (74.42%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]
H332 (26.74%): Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]
H335 (73.26%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]
Reference:
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Magnesium-hydroxide#section=ClassificationMagnesium stearate: Magnesium stearate is widely used in the production of dietary supplement and pharmaceutical tablets.
Although considered to have a safe toxicity profile, there is no available information regarding its potential to induce genetic toxicity. It has been widely used for many decades in the food industry as an emulsifier, binder and thickener, as well as an anticaking, lubricant, release, and antifoaming agent.
Its chemical classification has it listed as an irritant.
GHS Hazard Statements for Magnesium Stearate: H315 (32%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]H319 (37.14%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]
H335 (32.57%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]
H413 (61.43%): May cause long lasting harmful effects to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]
References:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5655391/
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/11177#section=Spectral-Information
Microcrystalline cellulose: (MCC) is a term for refined wood pulp and is used as a texturizer, an anti-caking agent, a fat substitute, an emulsifier, an extender, and a bulking agent in food production. The most common form is used in vitamin supplements or tablets. Pharmaceutical grade MCC needs a high-quality pulp, and uses wood as the most common source.
A holistic integrative health practitioner stated the following about MCC, “Our cells cannot stop the micro-nano particles from entering them, and once there, these particles, especially from cellulose from wood, which is what Microcrystalline Cellulose comes from, are not able to be absorbed, but float in and out of the cell membranes, and basically clog up tiny places in our bodies, bio-accumulating as we ingest more, and cause background inflammation to rise.”
References:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3003160/
https://www.intechopen.com/books/pharmaceutical-formulation-design-recent-practices/microcrystalline-cellulose-as-pharmaceutical-excipient
https://www.integrativeholistichealth.org/information/dangers-of-microcrystalline-cellulose-filler-in-pharmaceuticals/
Silicon dioxide: Also known as synthetic amorphous silica (SAS), is used by food manufacturers as an anti-caking agent in spices, or creamers, to ensure fine flowing powders or to absorb water. It is made up of aggregated nano-sized particles and is used for a plethora of reasons for example;
• Blasting agents, grinding materials, friction agents, general abrasives.
• Agent for soaking up liquid.
• General adhesives and binding agents for a variety of uses.
• Additive for products to promote hardening, used in paints and varnishes, plastics, etc.
• & More.
It’s classified as a health hazard.
GHS Hazard Statements for Silicon dioxide: Aggregated GHS information provided by 1712 companies from 40 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria by 122 of 1712 companies.
Of the 39 notification(s) provided by 1590 of 1712 companies with hazard statement code(s):
H350 (11.76%): May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity]
H372 (66.04%): Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]
H373 (21.01%): Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]
Several animal studies proved this chemical as a tumorigenic: Carcinogenic by RTECS criteria; Blood: Lymphoma including Hodgkin's disease.
References:https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Silicon-dioxide#section=NIOSH-Toxicity-Data
https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2018/01/18/EFSA-raises-red-flag-for-silicon-dioxide-safety-over-nanoparticles#
https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/5088
Now that’s a lot of information to take in.
To summarize, over the counter cough medicine is made up of potentially hazardous chemicals. There isn’t anything natural about them. They suppress symptoms by tricking the brain into thinking nothing is wrong. Some of these chemicals cross the blood-brain barrier, and may have carcinogenic effects.
So what can we do to avoid over the counter drugs and get rid of a cough with a more natural approach?
There are several ways.
Over the past couple of years, I’ve made a variety of herbal concoctions to support the lungs and body system when a cough developed. This happened mostly because my daughter used to get severe respiratory illnesses with heavy wheezing, shallow breathing and a deep set cough. It was scary, and sadly the allopathic route failed us. I was determined to support her from home naturally.
I started by switching the Albuterol the doctor prescribed us in her nebulizer for colloidal silver. The Albuterol opened up her airways, but it was a temporary solution, and she’d be back to wheezing in no time. Her lungs seemed to have developed a dependence to the Albuterol. She needed to use this on a consistent basis in order to breathe properly. The colloidal silver on the other hand opened up her airways and seemingly reduced the wheezing and shallow breathing, as well as extended the time between uses. This was a game changer. Thankfully she hasn’t had another bout of this severe illness for over a year after using the colloidal silver through many previous illnesses of this magnitude.
Before I started brewing my own silver, I used the brand Sovereign Silver. I highly recommend everyone having a bottle of this in their medicine cabinet. I’ll have more on this in a different post.
Next, I make a fresh garlic salve consisting of lots of fresh crushed garlic, coconut oil, and extra virgin olive oil. This is applied to the back, chest, and feet at least 3 time a day, every 2-3 hours is best. Please note, you will smell like the most delicious loaf of garlic bread. I may share this recipe in a later post.
For the cough, I like to make an herbal cough syrup depending on what type of cough we’re dealing with. Again, please avoid suppressants at all costs. A cough is the body’s way of getting rid of any foreign matter in the lungs. To suppress this mechanism will draw out the illness and can potentially develop into something worse, like pneumonia. Get that mucus out, naturally!
For a wet cough, also known as a productive cough, we want to thin heavy mucus and expel it from the lungs. It is best to use an herb with expectorant properties. By clearing out the congestion, we support healthy lung function and ultimately stop our coughing by fixing the root problem, not by suppressing it.
Herbs with expectorant properties can include, but certainly aren’t limited to the following;
Elecampane
Hyssop
Ginger
Garlic
Mustard
Evergreens like Pine, Douglas fir, and Poplar buds.
Mullein (also a demulcent)
Usnea is another great herbal ally that can be used for wet coughs, this is best in tincture form.
The herbs above will help expel mucus. But if you have a dry, hacking cough you’ll want herbs with demulcent properties.
A demulcent herb is rich in mucilage and can soothe inflamed tissue. Herbs with demulcent properties include, but are not limited to;
Marshmallow root
Slippery Elm
Licorice Root
Linden
Plantain
Mullein
These herbs will moisten and soothe a dry hacking cough, offering welcomed relief. More often than not, dry coughs are accompanied by spasmodic coughing. This is an uncontrollable, and annoying cough, usually ending in a headache. I like to add Passion flower to my tea or syrup blends for a calming effect. Anise Hyssop & Wild Cherry Bark are other great herbs for combating spasmodic coughs.
Wild Cherry Bark makes a tasty cough syrup gentle enough for children, while Anise Hyssop works wonders in tea blends.
For a barking, croup like cough, I simply offer the homeopathic tablets spongia tosta at the first sign, and use the garlic paste mentioned above.
There are many lung supporting herbs available, some even right outside your door. I cannot end this blog post without further discussing one of my favorite lung supporters, Mullein.
Mullien, Verbascum Thapsus, is a plant that grows prolifically in my area of Southwest New Hampshire. It’s fuzzy leaves and tall yellow flowers make it easily recognizable. Rich in mucilage and saponins, mullein is an expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-spasmodic useful for bronchitis and dry coughing, and as a general tonifying herb for the respiratory system (Hoffmann, 2003; Hardin, 2009). Mullein leaf, makes a delicious tea, just be sure to strain carefully. The little hairs may cause irritation to some.
Reference: Hoffmann, David. (2003). Medical Herbalism. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
Knowing some simple tips and tricks on how to soothe coughs using natural remedies is a huge step in taking control of your own health. Over the counter cough syrups can have devastating long term effects on the body, but herbs have beneficial effects!
With that I leave you with an easy to make cough syrup that can be made using culinary ingredients most people have in their home. This cough syrup uses Thyme as the main herbal ally.
Thyme is known to treat upper respiratory infections, bronchitis, and whooping cough. This comes as no surprise considering thyme flavonoids relax tracheal and ileal muscles*, which are involved in coughing, and also reduce inflammation.
Ginger is also a key contributor in this syrup. A natural antibiotic, ginger is also an amazing anti-inflammatory and contains phytochemicals that can boost your immune system to help remedy the root of your cough.
Ingredients:
~ 1/2 cup fresh thyme
~ 1 organic lemon, juiced
~ 2-3” fresh grated ginger root
~ 1.5 cups filtered or steam distilled water
~ 3/4 cup raw local honey
To make:
Put roughly 2-3” of fresh grated ginger root into about 1.5 cups of water.
Bring water to a boil, cover, and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
Turn off the burner/heat & add in about 2 handfuls of fresh thyme (with stem) - roughly 1/2 cup.
Add the juice from 1 small organic lemon.
Cover and steep for 4-12 hours.
After steeping, strain, making sure to squeeze out all the juice from the ginger and thyme - don’t leave that behind! Using a cheese cloth works well.
Put the liquid back on the burner on the lowest setting. This will allow the honey to melt into the decoction without killing off any of the beneficial properties of the honey.
Add about 3/4 cup of local RAW honey. Do not use standard store bought honey. Please be sure it’s raw honey otherwise you’re just sweetening this without any benefit. Add a small amount at a time until you have the proper ratio. You’re going to want roughly a 1:1 ratio liquid to honey.
Once mixed, allow the syrup to cool and pour into a glass bottle. Keep refrigerated.
Dosage:
Adults: 3-5 tablespoons per day
Children: 3-5 teaspoons per day
NOTE: Do not consume large amounts of thyme if you are taking blood-thinning medications. Always consult your primary care physician before taking this syrup. Do not feed honey to children under 1 year of age.
*Thyme References:
http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbclip/300/review44454.html?ts=1606931173&signature=6c0b45aac478a7495b3e88cdded6bcce
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/3ebc/74410ab7929b2b8184d3f1c7b21fd23afe58.pdf
*The information this site is for educational purposes only, and has not been approved by the FDA. Modern Herbal does not give medical advice, intend to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.
Please use all herbs under the advice and counsel of your local herbalist, midwife, spiritual advisor, and/or doctor.
